Using a 3-2-1 student response activity encourages students to reflect on their learning—what they learned, how to apply what they learned, and what questions they still have. This technique works especially well at the end of class or at the end of an activity such as a lesson, guest speaker, text, or film. First, students are given a few minutes to write down 3 things they learned about the topic. Then, they must provide 2 concrete examples of how they can apply what they learned. They finish by writing one question they still have about the material. It may be helpful to have students create a graphic organizer (see the simple table below).
The 3-2-1 activity also serves as a formative assessment and allows the instructor to see where the students are struggling and adjust teaching accordingly. Students can also track their progress and adjust study habits as needed with this low-stakes assessment. Students can write their 3-2-1 response on paper and hand in at the end of class or students can turn in electronically through an assignment link, discussion forum, or electronic form.
If you’d like to discuss what medium or tool would best suit this activity in your own class, contact the Learning and Teaching Technology Consultants at LSATechnologyServices@umich.edu. We’ll be happy to help you out!
